Just as the title says. The car was stored in a concrete floored garage without climate control. We already know the engine turns over and most, if not all of the electrical system works. So what would you remove, replace, and or leave alone?

I don't know if this matters but the car didn't have a fuel cap when it was sitting. The tank will be removed and checked.

This is for the 1969 Z28-The car ran when parked, it has console gauges, the original distributor, a new Holley 750 (original is in a box, needs a rebuild).

Im sure there will be much more productive replies, but here's what i can think of to start:

All fluids, including engine oil, rear end,tranny, radiator(likely need a rebuild, but you could flush).
ignition points, coil, wires, plugs

I would pull the thermostat and replace. Expect to replace the water pump soon..

I would replace all rubber fuel and water lines. Check the brake lines and bleed them.

But in all seriousness, if it is actually a z28, i would do a frame off restore and sell it for a lot of $$ :)
Just as the title says. The car was stored in a concrete floored garage without climate control. We already know the engine turns over and most, if not all of the electrical system works. So what would you remove, replace, and or leave alone?

I don't know if this matters but the car didn't have a fuel cap when it was sitting. The tank will be removed and checked.

This is for the 1969 Z28-The car ran when parked, it has console gauges, the original distributor, a new Holley 750 (original is in a box, needs a rebuild).

Thanks, the radiator was actually the reason it was parked, the water pump shaft came out and put the fan into the radiator.

And I can't see letting this one go anytime soon.:D

I would remove all the spark plugs and squirt marvel mystery oil into all the cylinders put the plugs back in and then let it sit for a week. Then I would pull them back out and try to turn the engine over by hand using a breaker bar. I would rotate it several times then put in a fresh set of plugs.

Adding to what the previous poster mentioned, I would rebuild the master cylinder, calipers and wheel cylinders if they are original to the car, or replace them if they aren't. I would also replace the brake hoses, and the brake hardware that is in the drums on the back.

More then likely the Engine and Tranny Seals have hardened. It may not be apparent at first but I bet within a month of use the Front and Rear Seals of both Engine and Tranny give out - same goes with Axel Seals.

If it were my car I would go for the usual preparation but prepared to tear the engine down for: New Gaskets, Seals, Timing Chain, Hone, Rings, Bearings, Touch up the valves and NEW Valve Springs (very important). It will also allow you to determine the condition of the cam and guides - That is "Condition of the engine".

Don't you love being a Muscle Car Addict - LOL

Doug interesting post. I purchased a 68Z that had sat for only a dozen years in a garage, on a concrete floor. Here is what I had to replace just to drive it home:

Rebuilt the carb due to the gaskets leaked.
Replaced the battery.
Replaced the thermostat and water pump as the pump was leaking.

As soon as I got it home I had to rebuild the brake calipers, the 4 piston calipers are known for pitting and leaking. Mine were leaking very badly and I had to really take it easy on the drive home. Brake hoses also got changed out at this time. Other than that nothing else really became an issue after driving it for a while.

Doug,
I think you might be surprised at how little you might have to do. I know someone that just bought a 72 Vette that had been sitting since 1978 or so. They filled it with d\gas, put a battery in it and drove it home :)

That being said, the biggest issue we have seen lately here at the shop has been valves sticking due to the ethanol in the fuel turning it into glue :( If the car has been sitting for 20 years, that should not be an issue but it mght not hurt to pull the valve covers and give each valve a good shot of penetrating oil like PB Blaster through the valve spring, then turn the engine over and watch all the valves to make sure none are sticking. I would also flush the entire fuel system if you can.

Then start it up and see what happens :) Nice find !!

My Chevelle sat outdoors for 13 years. I changed the oil, drained out the old fuel, put in a new battery, AND DROVE IT HOME!! It started right up. It was a solid lifter 327 engine.
However, I should have towed it home due to the fact that only one brake was actually working...YIKES!
It did develope a rear main seal leak....don't don't they all?? LOL.

Plus one more item - tires. After sitting on concrete for that long the tires are almost assuredly damaged on the inside. Cords, threads, and belts will separate and leave you with a blow out waiting to happen. Driving very far on them or above say 25mph puts you, the car, and anyone else on the road at risk.

Doug,

Drain the fuel tank and flush it, rebuild the carb, put a battery in it and fire it up. That's what I just did with a 64 Impala I just came across that had been sitting for almost as long. I fired it up, put it on my trailer and took her home....no worries.

http://picasaweb.google.com/barefootdave/1964Impala#

Above posts are right on with my experiences. The last long sitting car I bought had been sitting so long the oil drain plug seal had powdered away along with the tranny drain plug seal. After cleaning up the oil and tranny fluid that went down my driveway and replacing those seals it surprisingly fired right up.

The whole BRAKE system!

pdq67

The whole car needs to be replaced, just send it to me.

The whole car needs to be replaced, just send it to me.
send half to me :). If you want the other half giant ill give you my pay pal ;)

Well after cleaning the coil contacts, the car started! We also discovered a mouse nest....which is now scattered all over the shop.

HA HA! That's always a fun one! congrats on the start up!

Back again, squirt some good old MMO in each sparkplug hole, turn her over using the starter less plugs to lube her pistons.

Insert plugs and go!

And drive EASY b/c the E-Brake MAY save your life!

pdq67

Before this thing goes any where under its own power the brakes will be sorted out. I may be young but I'm not (that) stupid!

On another note, any recommendations on a radiator?